Today is my last day in the office before I take leave. I don’t fly to Dublin until Monday, but thought it would be good to take a few days of quiet before Easter, spending some time with my husband and family.

My travel to Ireland takes the form of a pilgrimage – a journey back to the source of the Sisters of Mercy who responded to the needs of their time – who assisted the poor and disadvantaged, who traveled across the world to new lands to bring hope to those who had left Ireland in the hope of finding a better life.

Many of the emigrants from Ireland in the 1800s left because of poverty, famine, religious persecution and political unrest. All had a hope that the new land of their choice would yield wealth in exchange for hard work, religious freedom and democracy. This is what my ancestors brought with them from Ireland.

So my quest on this pilgrimage is to learn more about the Ireland they left, more about the courage and bravery of those who worked tirelessly with the poor and wretched in Ireland to give them hope and comfort.

My blog then will comment on my experiences and insights. It will be a journey about others’ lives, but also my own journey of understanding.

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About Judith Gardiner

I'm a pilgrim, a traveller, a tourist! I'm on a journey of life, and my life is like a rich and varied garden, with new growth, blooms and even some weeds which I keep trying to eradicate! I'd like people to read my blog and feel positive about life and the earth we share. The world is a place of good news stories and experiences we can share.

2 Responses to Getting Ready

Pleased to hear that you are out and about in Dublin and that the weather is good. There is much to be said for being a teacher in a previous life, you never know when all that knowledge is going to come in handy. Looking foward to Sapin tomorrow. Stay safe and enjoy. Love jen.